Welcome to the newest instalment of Mythic brotherhood. This story is Akutsu Jin's story and looks at the mythic reasons behind his aggressive behaviour. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis never has or ever will belong to Tora. She just likes to play in the rightful owners sand box with some dragons and those pathetic other fools that "Goldie" protects. I'm out of here. Tennis is boring........
TM: yes Jin and thankyou...mean son of a.....JOKING!! sweat.
Heart of Dragon Gold....Chronicles of the Mythic Brotherhood.
神話上の同業組合
Chronicle 5
SO FULL OF HATE
Part one
Story: Tora Macaw.
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Prologue
He had been born into a world some two hundred years past. A world much quieter than is now, but ruled by the same type of humans. His clutch had been a small one; only six brothers and three sisters, but they had been content in their isolation. Scorning the safety of the clans, his mother had been a loner. The male who had caught her when her time had come to rise had been the only dragon she had known for well over a century. As was the nature of her kind, the female had laid her eggs in secret and fiercely driven away all those who had attempted contact, including the mighty gold king himself.
Then had come her greatest joy the day the eggs hatched. Surrounded by ten healthy young, the old dragon was no longer alone. Keeping her family hidden from the eyes of humans and her brethren alike, the small group had thrived...until one day they were discovered. Aion himself had been out with pack of Dark Hunters, and found the dragons alone, unprotected, and completely unaware. Extermination had been swift, and without mercy.
Badly wounded, the female had managed to drive away the ruthless demon maou and his followers, then dragged herself down from the high mountains; her one surviving hatchling barely alive and clinging to her back. Disorientated and delirious, she stumbled into a village of humans intent on seeking their help.
But the sudden appearance of torn and bleeding dragon who howled in agony from her wounds in their midst, awoke old and primeval fears. Cowering in the patch of long grass where his mother had hidden him, the little green dragon watched in horror as his mother was killed before his eyes. The gruesome task complete, the humans returned to their homes to celebrate the fall of a hated enemy and the hatchling cried his intense heartbreak beside his mothers cold, still body.
A huge golden dragon had come to tenderly gather the hatchling in his claws and take him to safety, but the grief stricken youngster had snarled savagely at the adult and blamed him for his mother's death. Fleeing from the great one, the little green had grown up alone in a hostile world.
Time continued its endless dance. Humans grew numerous and began to spread everywhere. As they went, they destroyed and the young green could only watch from the safety of the shadows as they killed not only animals and hunted his own kind, but also brutally killed themselves. And so his life lesson was thus firmly ingrained upon his soul; that the humans were evil monsters and that dragons didn't seem to care, and in a rising of twisted reasoning the out cast youngster took it upon himself to rid the world of the brutes.
At first, he hunted by stealth, picking off any human foolish enough to cross his path. But as the death-toll rose, the green grew bolder and began attacking groups, then entire villages. Humans began to hunt him, then found him by chance as he slept. He only just escaped them with his life. Badly hurt, he finally fell from the sky and lay on the burning sands of a vast desert; waiting for death to hurry and relive him of his misery.
It wasn't death that found him, but the great gold. The dragon took him into his clan, had his followers nurse him back to heath then tried hard to befriend him, but the green's anger burned too deep as he reminded the gold how is family had perished and no dragon had come to help them. Rejecting their pity and the offer of a place in the clan, the half grown hatchling turned his back on his fellow dragons and fled to an isolated mountain. There, he made a fatal discovery.
A red female lived here while she guarded her clutch alone. Waiting until she slept, the green then attacked her. Badly wounded and half blinded by her own blood, the female could only watch in helpless despair as her assailant destroyed her precious eggs. Suddenly, the gold arrived and stopped the green before the final egg fell. Angry and heartbroken, the stern beast had set the savage hatchling before a large group of winged Hikari who proclaimed the green to be ' wing bound ' for his terrible crime. That day, the dragon youth began almost fifty years of imprisonment.
Nursing his bitter rage and resentment, he stayed trapped in the mountain meadow until one day, the dragon king had again appeared before him and not alone. The old red female, her one surviving hatchling and several Hikari accompanied the proud gold who proclaimed that he, the rogue green forever care for and protect the young red dragon.
Such an announcement was met by scornful defiance, but he soon found that refusal was not an option. Furious, but helpless against the might of true Hikari power, he was forcefully taken from his prison and his soul lodged into the body of a child about to be stillborn.
For the dragon, being forced to live as the humans he detested was the final insult; yet he could nothing about it. Still, his anger burned fiercely, his hatred unbound and those around him grew to fear a sliver-haired youth known as Akutsu Jin......
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Chapter one
By his own admission, he hated tennis. It was boring, a useless human past time. Yet at the same time, the sport gave him the twisted enjoyment of seeing those who he considered to be enemies to suffer at his hands and to be vanquished in crushing defeats.
Thinking with malicious pleasure of who his next victim was going to be, the silver-haired youth swaggered arrogantly down the street. A cat emerged from a hedge, its amber eyes widening with fear as it looked past the teenager's human disguise and saw the shadowy form of a snarling green dragon. Sensing its evil nature, the cat yowled and spat before streaking away in fear of its life. His face cracking into a sadistic grin, Akutsu watched the feline flee, then he turned his pale gaze onto a nearby building.
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Out on enemy territory, Ryoma Echizen was doing what he did best; playing a hard, fast game of tennis and winning. With his latest opponent bought down in a savage conquest, the young demi-dragon lightly bounced the ball as he mockingly challenged the young demons surrounding him. After a small amount of deliberation, one finally stepped forward to sneer at the Seigaku players mixed blood and taunt him about being about to suffer a great loss. A few arm swings and a few hard returns later, Ryoma's antagonist lay in a moaning heap and the raven haired youth smirked his superiority at the quaking imps.
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The demon youth sailed backward to forcefully connect with the row of lockers filling up one side of the club room. Groaning at the pain lancing through his skull, he looked up fearfully as his assailant growled in a low, harsh voice; " What did you say? Do you think your as strong as Aion to think you can order me around?"
Looming over the teenager as he struggled to stand, Akutsu allowed a cloud of foul smelling, sickly green fog to curl slowly from his mouth as he grinned menacingly, then he advanced to deal the small waste paper basket a forceful kick and snarl once more into his victim's face.
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At Seishun academy, two figures spoke in quiet tones as they withdrew sports logs from shelves and discussed the upcoming regional tournament. Holding an open book in one hand, Oishi turned his gaze to Tezuka as he sat studying his own book and started to speak. " The opponents in the final game are Ginka. Although we've never fought them, they seem tough."
Tezuka glanced up from his book. " I heard their leading players are very strong."
Oishi grunted an affirmative and studied his open page.
' Of course, we have nothing to fear from such young and inexperienced demons.'
The black-haired youth chuckled slightly at the dragon king's amused thoughts then became serious once more.
" In Ginka High school there's a leading player whose power is famous. He his very tall and quite tough."
' He is no Aion. Didn't Inui say he was going to Ginka to see how skilful they are?'
Oishi nodded sagely. " Yes. He is going for data."
Tezuka tipped back his head, closed his eyes, and the disguised moon dog was surprised at the shadow of a smirk that fleetingly crossed his captain's face.
' Tezuka ?'
' I see my great grandson. He is playing against Ginka as we speak.'
The dark-haired youth startled and cleared his mind for easier speech.
' And the result?'
The gold dragon's reply was smug. ' He is giving them a tennis lesson they'll never forget. Our Basilisk friend is in for a treat...that's if he gets there on time.'
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Drawn by the hard sound of ball against string, Akutsu turned away from the demon youth crumpled at his feet to stare intently through the window at the tennis court below. Not sparing his victim so much as a glance, the silver-haired dragon rumbled; " Who is the shorty?"
Heaving himself painfully to his feet, the imp from lava rock clan staggered over to peer through the slightly smeared glass.
" Which one?"
Following the line of the disguised green's feral glare, he suddenly noticed Ryoma.
" I don't know him."
Ignoring his prey, the savage youth fixed his beady amber eyes onto Ryoma's face and effortlessly gazed upon his true demon form.
" So what's with this shorty? He fires a super ball...interesting."
About to huff and turn away, Akutsu suddenly noticed something strange about the pint sized challenger. A dark and indistinct shape like that of winter fog on a moon less night momentarily swirled up to hover phantom-like over the youth, then in the blink of an eye it was gone making the dragon temporarily doubt his senses. Grunting, he turned and confronted the young demon.
Trembling all over, the frightened imp said nervously; " I'm sorry. Please go before the others return."
Instantly, he realised he had made a terrible mistake and feebly tried to defend himself, but his effort was in vain as he was seized in a vicelike grip and Akutsu snarled poison into his face.
" I told you dung heap! Don't give me orders!"
The shadow of a large dragon rippled on the walls and bent into grotesque shapes against the lockers as the crazed reptile ripped into the helpless, screaming demon.
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The days practice was over. Arai chattered pleasantly to Kachiro as they gathered up stray balls and placed them in boxes. Grinning over a joke the first grader had made, the senior began to walk...only to stop and glare at the tall, silver-haired youth leaning nonchalantly with his back against a tree trunk.
Indignant about having an invader at his school, the black-haired youth challenged the newcomer. " Who are you? Which school are you from?" Curling his lip at the way the stranger was so blatantly ignoring him, Arai allowed his eyes to briefly glow red. " Hey you! Say something!"
' Pathetic fool.'
Wincing at the powerful mind send, both Mythics stepped back to eye their visitor with trepidation. Swallowing down his sudden rush of fear, Arai spoke once more. " Whatever you are, leave this place!"
Slowly, the strange youth reached down and curved his right hand around the handle of a pink framed racket leaning against his leg.
' Weak demons should never give orders to mighty dragons'
Before the startled Seishun youth could reply, a ball seemed to fly out of nowhere and impact forcefully with the centre of his brow. Pushed back by the objects incredible power, Arai was only vaguely aware of Kachiro's frantic cry of " Sempai!" as he sailed backward to cannon heavily into a nearby tree.
Painfully regaining his feet, Arai snarled at his tormentor. " What the hell are you doing?"
The silver-haired youth answered with an arrogant smirk. " Just saying hello."
Staggering forward, the black-haired teenager raised his hands threateningly. " Are kidding? YOU ASSHOLE!"
Defiantly, the young demon fisted his antagonists shirt and snarled into his face. " Get the hell out of here!"
But the strangers only reply was a cruel smile that held no trace of humour and Arai found himself receiving the pounding of his life.
Contemptuously tossing aside the unconscious disguised demon youth, Akutsu Jin then turned his attention on a terrified Kachiro.
" YOU! Vermin! You are one of the members of this tennis club right?"
His blood running with ice water, the young mythic backed away as he frantically nodded his head.
Akutsu spoke coldly. " Among the regular players there is a first grade guy. Speak worm tail!! What is this player?"
" His...his name...that's Echizen" stammered Kachiro fearfully.
From behind him, Arai suddenly spoke as his blinked his way back into consciousness and struggled to sit up.
" You son of a flying rock lizard! Fight me again if you dare as this isn't over!"
Snarling with rage, Akustu slammed the toe of his heavy boot into the raven-haired youth's side. " Just who in Jigoku do you think you're talking to? Never insult a dragon if you wish to live!"
Turning away from a severely beaten and bloody Arai a few minutes later, Akutsu glared at Kachiro as he stammered to himself; " I must get a teacher!"
" Rat face! Lead me to that first grader! Tell me what he truly is!"
Ignoring the imperious command and the following order to stop, the first grader turned and bolted. Voicing an ugly growl and breathing a small cloud of green fog, the savage youth fired a high-powered serve that shot past the fleeing youth to slam forcefully into a neatly stacked pile of boxes containing many tennis balls.
Screaming fearfully as the pile exploded and the little round objects rained down about him, the small youth squeaked in terror as he grazed up the shadow of the older boys true mythic form.
Long, needle-like fangs hung down from the dragon's great jaws as its mouth opened and seemed to pant with delight as his victim lay helpless before him. Twin horns reared up from the stiff crest of silver hair adorning its skull and large wings of emerald sail opened menacingly as clouds of toxic green gas curled from the dragon's nostrils.
" What can you, a weak and snivelling rat boy do to the likes of me?"
Letting his shadow form fade, Akutsu tossed a ball high, then slammed his racket into it. Feeling the crawling touch of deaths icy hand, Kachiro howled his fear and covered his head as braced himself for the final impact that would snuff out his life.
A very loud DOC rang out beside his head, and realizing the assault hadn't occurred he looked up incredulously at the red framed racket blocking the ball's attack.
His body positioned protectively before the form of his fallen friend, Ryoma's green-gold eyes fixed angrily onto the cruel orbs of the silver-haired stranger.
" What's happening here? You are too noisy."
Scrambling back, Kachiro whimpered; " Watch out! He is a violent dragon..."
Silencing the younger boy's words with a glare, the player from Yamabuki curled his lip at his adversary. " Well, well, here comes the mystery first grade player! and another pathetically weak demon."
Masking his surprise at the mind send, Ryoma's large eyes narrowed as he studied the snarling dragon. " So you know what I am. But I don't you know. You are not of Tezuka's clan."
Akutsu instantly bared his teeth at the sound of the gold's name and fought down an urge to hurl himself at the youngster by crouching down to grasp a large, jagged edged stone in one hand. ' Limp wing of Thleer, be assured I will kill you. But first I would see you suffer..'
Watching the scene with blurred vision, Arai cried weakly; " Hey! Look out! Rock!"
The hard lump of flint bounced from the string of Akutsu's racket to fly arrow straight at Ryoma's astonished face; only for the taller youth to rumble deep in his throat when the dark-haired boy blocked the missile with his own weapon. Furious at his enemy's escape from harm, the bristle-haired player let fly a handful of deadly stones with a triumphant roar of; " FINAL STRIKE!!'
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" You say Echizen was attacked?" Momo' stared incredulously at Oishi as the raven-haired youth told his friend why Ryoma had not yet turned up for training. " So he's now in the infirmary with Ryzuaki Sensei, but Akutsu must be crazy to attack..." He dropped his voice then spoke in an anxious whisper "...the dragon lord's great grandson!"
" And that.." interjected Eiji worriedly "...now makes him a mortal enemy for all of us! Momo', how does this effect...you nya?"
The teenage disguised mongoose's grinding teeth and flexing fingers spoke volumes as Oishi continued with concern.
" It maybe best if we stay in small groups, but only another dragon could defeat him should he choose to attack. Let's talk this over with Ryuzaki then approach Tezuka..."
" Nya! Echizen!" Said Eiji suddenly and the group at once huddled around their little friend.
Laying a hand on Ryoma's shoulder and trying to draw off some his pain, Oishi asked quickly; " Echizen! Are you all right? He didn't breath on you?"
Ryoma irritably pushed him aside and snapped as he made for his locker; " I'm fine."
Oishi's forest green orbs narrowed as he took in the sight of the singles star's bandaged face. " You're not poisoned?"
Stuffing his jacket into his bag, the smaller boy waved aside further discussion. " I said, I'm fine!"
Momo' chattered a small, fearful sound, then gently drew his friend into a loving embrace." Please, just let it go. You aren't strong enough to resolve this on your own."
Wiggling out of the taller youth's arms, Ryoma glared about in annoyance then growled under his breath as Oishi warned him not to take on the green dragon alone. His shoulders shaking as he furiously recalled the incident, Ryoma saw the vindictive player clearly in his minds eye.
" I have just dropped by to say hello. I could kill you now where you stand, but lets fight in the city tournament."
His hands held up to his bleeding face, Ryoma had snarled hatefully; " Who are you dragon?"
Drawing himself up, his assailant informed him; " I am Akutsu Jin of Yamabuki senior high school. I am also a clan less dragon so don't even think of running to 'Goldie' for protection! I bow to no one!"
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A few days past by in a blur of pain and simmering wounded pride for Ryoma. He'd had an opportunity to confront the aggressive beast in the diner, but had been restrained by his friends, and now felt his anger burn as hot coal held in his soul. With the district tournament upon him, the Seigaku singles star found himself looking forward to the dragon's on-court assault as a means of revenge.
Entering the gates, he spied Dan Tachi on an obvious search. Squaring his shoulders, Ryoma began to determinedly stalk toward him.
" Echizen!"
Hissing at the firm summons, the black-haired youth turned to reluctantly face his captain.
"Mada mada da ne'" he grumbled while tugging his cap down in a futile attempt to hide his annoyance.
' Look at me.'
Sighing, the youth lifted his head to see past the rim of his cap and meet a stern pair of hazel-gold eyes.
" The team are waiting." Began Tezuka in a business like manner as his arms folded " Come with me now." Turning away, he added over his shoulder; " And keep away from Yamabuki."
Being treated like a small child made Ryoma feel cross. " I can take care of myself."
Not pausing as he strode quickly back to his assembled team, Tezuka gently linked his mind to Ryoma's.
' Strong as you are, you are not that strong. Akutsu is dangerous, so face him only on a tennis court and never be alone with him.'
Tugging down on his cap once more, Ryoma adjusted the heavy gear bag on his shoulder and grudgingly allowed himself the full protection of his team.
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The young teenager irritably pushed up the green head band that threatened once again to slip down and blind him, as he searched for his sempai. " I know I saw him." the boy grumbled as he neatly folded a discarded coat and tossed an empty can into a nearby bin. " But when did he leave? Now I have to clean up on my own.."
" What are you doing here?" growled the object of his search at close range making the younger boy jump.
" Dong, dong, dong! Where have you been Akutsu Sempai? Its bad! I hear the king himself is after you!"
Snapping his jaw, the taller youth shot his hand out and firmly grasped the front of Dan's shirt.
" I'm not afraid of that over rated Bunsen burner!"
" And what of him then?" Asked the raven-haired boy as he flicked an index finger at the rest of Yamabuki gathered by the courts high wire fence.
Tossing a contemptuous look their way, Akutsu's pale eyes meet glittering blue orbs that made him shudder slightly and gently release his friend. " Bah! I'm not afraid of that walking ' heavens feather duster' either."
Abruptly, the silver-haired teenager turned and stalked away. With Dan trotting at his heels, the disguised dragon marched purposely past his team mates who twitched nervously at his passing and began whispering among themselves.
" The first grader isn't afraid of him?"
Kirata Ichiuma turned to the speaker and mumbled; " I guess its because they are close in age, but I'm a dragon myself and I'm terrified of him!"
Muromachi Touji turned his shielded eyes towards the black dragon and pointed at Akutsu with his chin. " I can't understand why he must be in our team. But in spite of what Sengoku says, if he ever tries to attack me..." Tapping his thick glasses, the dangerous mythic left the threat hanging as the flame-haired vice captain approached him.
" He is a skilful player and he must have a purpose."
Nitobe Inakichi snorted through his nose and Sengoku eyed his invisible rustling wings with amusement. " If my bond dragon were to behave like that... how can you stand him, son of Divine Star clan?"
" He is a savage brute I know, but I like him enough friend of Dawn Star."
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The first match ended and the golden pair strolled from the battle ground, to be replaced by a determined Momo' as he entered the court to face his foe. All to soon, the fierce struggle for dominance came to a close with Momo' limping off the court to surrender his ankle to Oishi for a light healing. With the mongoose spirit resting, the team awaited the call for Ryoma and Akustu's confrontation.
Sitting tensely on his bench, Ryoma turned his large eyes to Horio as Kachiro recalled the day of the Yamabuki players attack. Behind them, Inui remarked on the about to commence match and then brown-haired youth nodded stiffly as his friend said; " Please be careful Ryoma kun."
Azure eyes gleaming, Eiji chuckled cheerfully. " I'll protect you o chibi chan! Besides, I want to fight him myself!"
Next to the red head, Tezuka spoke sternly. " Kikarmaru....a cat lord can not hope to live in a battle with a dragon.'
Wincing at the powerful mind send vibrating in his skull, the springy youth frantically waved his hands before himself. " Joking!"
Conversation stopped as Ryoma chose that moment to stand and start walking away.
" Ryoma kun." said Kachiro anxiously. " Where are you going?"
Sticking his nose in the air, the youth answered; " I'm thirsty."
Inui immediately loomed up beside him holding a dreaded juice bottle in one hand. " Drink this refined special-golden-power energy drink."
"Not Necessary." snarked Ryoma as he made a bid for freedom.
Reaching the water fountain, he took a deep drink of the wonderfully cool liquid, then glanced up in irritation at the sight of Takashi standing over him. " Why do you follow me? Did Tezuka send you?"
Takashi nodded seriously. " Yes. He is afraid Akutsu will come after you."
Shrugging, Ryoma remembered the rocks and the harsh threat behind them as Takashi spoke some more.
" Keep your hat down, or he'll aim at your face. But this the most important thing you need to know." Takashi paused a moment to make sure no one could hear, then bent at the hips to speak softly. " Akutsu is green dragon...that means he is poison type. Not only can he breath toxic gas that paralyses or kills, but his saliva contains a deadly contact poison. Don't let him spit on you!"
Ryoma was about to reply when Momo' limped up to join them, his large purple eyes fixed on his younger friends face.
" Momo-sempai, you should be resting your leg!"
Laughing at Ryoma's scolding tone, his eyes twinkled then grew dark as he gratefully leaned down on the offered shoulder.
"Echizen, please listen to Takashi as next to Sengoku and Tezuka, he knows the green better than anyone." Ryoma gazed up at his sempai's concerned face and nodded sagely as the bristle-haired youth lifted a hand to gently caress the shorter boy's cheek. " If anything were ever to happen to you..."
Smiling tenderly, Ryoma covered Momo's hand with his own, then huffed importantly as his old arrogance reasserted itself.
" I'll be fine sempai, you'll see."
Together they returned to the team and sat close to each others sides, offering each other silent comfort as they awaited the coming battle.
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To be continued..........